Hi! My name is Ei Sokvanda but you can call me Vanda. I’m 18 years old. I was born and raised in Siem Reap. I have 2 older brothers and I’m the youngest in my family. Me and brothers had the chance to learn English at a local NGO since we were young but stopped when the pandemic hits. My mom is a primary school teacher, teaching at a public school called Kesararam. She’s the main provider in our family since my dad got in a traffic accident in 2018 and was badly injured so he couldn’t work anymore. Before that He used to be a tuktuk driver. My family was already struggling but then the accident happened causing us to get into a huge debt. At that time, my brothers and I were still in high school so we couldn’t help much.  She bears the whole thing by herself, and my mom still encourages us to pursue our education. She’s one of the people I look up to. Both of my brothers have graduated high school, and I’ve also graduated in 2023, and I plan on continuing to study Information Technology at a university. Fortunately, one of my brothers got a scholarship to continue his study in Phnom Penh while the other one works at a hotel there. They come to visit occasionally when there’s a holiday, but it can get a bit lonely for me without them around. 
 

I was feeling lost after high school but then my cousin introduced me to an NGO called Journeys Within Our Community. I applied to study in a program called ‘Better Future’ where I get to learn English, Computer, Soft Skill, and Job Orientation. I gained new insight and knowledge. Plus, through the program, I got the opportunity to intern here at REACH.  
 
I learn a whole lot of new things by interning here in different programs and because of the positive learning environment as well. When I finished my internship, I was so happy and surprised because Emily offered me a job here. This is my first job and I’m so grateful to be a part of REACH team. Since I grew up in poverty, I also want to work in a field that provides the chance to the people who don’t have the privilege to learn as well. Because I believe that education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change your fate.